The BruPod

Kiran on Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Wellbeing

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:07:00 GMT

In episode 7 of our second series, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Kiran Garcha about her PhD research in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Kiran explains her work focusing on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait affecting around 30% of the population. She delves into the links between SPS and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, and how her research, using neuroimaging and behavioural studies, aims to understand the cognitive and emotional reactivity associated with this trait. Kiran also discusses the potential for developing therapeutic interventions and the importance of raising awareness about SPS. Finally, she offers practical advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the benefits of early writing and clearly defining your research question.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Kiran Garcha, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maggie on exploring SEND Parent Carer Quality of Life with Autoethnography

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:06:00 GMT

In Episode 6, Maggie Stephenson discusses her research on the lived experiences of parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Using a critical autoethnographic approach and interpretive phenomenological analysis, Maggie sheds light on the emotional and practical realities often overlooked in policy and practice. She talks about the power of storytelling in challenging stereotypes, building empathy, and pushing for more responsive systems of care. Maggie also reflects on personal growth during the PhD journey, and the importance of choosing research that truly sustains you.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Maggie Stephenson, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Udita on Menstrual Experiences in Kolkata

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:05:00 GMT

In Episode 5, Udita Bose discusses her research on the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Kolkata. She explains how her research tackles the pervasive stigma around menstruation, utilising innovative qualitative methods like drawing and collage, as well as a participatory action research approach. Udita also discusses the critical role of access to water and sanitation facilities in schools. Finally, she offers invaluable advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the importance of taking breaks and maintaining an honest, open relationship with supervisors.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Udita Bose, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kat on the Anthropology of Home Education

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:04:00 GMT

In Episode 4, Kat Lacey delves into her anthropological research on home education in the UK. Through interviews and observations, Kat explores the rich and often misunderstood culture of home-educating families. She talks about the challenges of accessing a private and protective community, and why it's crucial to represent the diversity and effectiveness of this educational path. Kat also shares her hopes of influencing policy and public perception, making the case for home education as not just an option, but a supported and respected one.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Kat Lacey, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorraine on Designing Wellbeing Interventions for University Students

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:03:00 GMT

In Episode 3, Lorraine Groves talks about her research into digital mental health support for university students. Drawing on her work as a wellbeing therapist, Lorraine uses interviews, focus groups, and co-design to create interventions that students will actually use, and stick with. She shares how her PhD blends practical experience with academic research, and why passion and self-care are vital throughout the process. Lorraine hopes her work will lead to real change in how student wellbeing is supported, both at university and beyond.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Lorraine Groves, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rita on Addressing Environmental Health Surrounding Abandoned Mines in Nigeria

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:02:00 GMT

In Episode 2, Rita Ekhareafo shares her research on the environmental and health risks posed by abandoned mines, where over a million sites remain largely unassessed. Rita explains how her work is focusing on the impact of abandoned mine sites in Nigeria on local communities, particularly regarding water quality and public health. She details how she is investigating the levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in water sources and how these are affecting the health of people living nearby. She shares her hopes that her research will highlight the need for proper regulation and remediation of these sites to protect vulnerable populations. Rita also reflects on the importance of motivation, mentorship, and making time to rest while navigating the demands of a PhD.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

*Episode correction at 10:08 and 10:26 Rita meant to say "six mines in a year’’ not four.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Rita Ekhareafo, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tabitha on Anna Maria Morandi and the Ethics of Historical Creative Writing

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In episode 1, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Tabitha Carless-Frost about her creative writing PhD. She shares her unique approach to historical reconstruction, focusing on the fascinating, largely untold life of Anna Maria Morandi, an 18th-century wax anatomist. Tabitha delves into the ethical considerations of re-enlivening historical figures who can't speak for themselves, and how her novel aims to shed light on neglected women in science. She advises those considering undertaking a PhD that they need to love what they're doing, and not to worry about not knowing everything at the beginning.

To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Tabitha Carless-Frost, Brunel University of London

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: Yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adisa on racial categorization and ethnic identity among individuals of African Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:39:36 GMT

In Episode 8, we’re in conversation with Adisa Akintola about his PhD research examining how the colour black is used to describe people of African Caribbean descent and how they feel about that. He explains why he thinks the use of the word black to describe people is archaic and nonsensical and how ultimately he hopes to put a stop to it. He advises those considering undertaking a PhD to do something they are passionate about and to choose their supervisor carefully.

Find out more about Adisa on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Adisa's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Adisa Akintola

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mulkie on community entrepreneurship and place branding in Oman

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 23:01:02 GMT

In episode 7 we’re in conversation with Mulkie Al-Hashmi about her research on community entrepreneurship and place branding. She talks about her interest in why some of the unique and authentic entrepreneurship enterprises in rural areas of her home country Oman don't last and how she hopes to change that. She reflects on the challenges of doing a PhD and how she reminds herself that, if it were easy, everyone would do it.

Find out more about Mulkie on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Mulkie's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Mulkie Al Hashimie

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawrence on European Modernist Utopian Literature

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:01:25 GMT

In Episode 6, we’re in conversation with Lawrence Reilly who is researching European Modernist Utopian Literature. He explains how he’s using his research to consider how we can all benefit more from advances in technology rather than just a few individuals. He encourages anyone undertaking a PhD to make the most of other opportunities at their own University whilst undertaking their research, but also at other institutions.

Find out more about Lawrence on ResearchGate

Read a full transcript of Lawrence's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Lawrence Reilly

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bandana on the “hidden curriculum” in private schools in Nepal

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 23:01:45 GMT

In episode 5 Bandana Adhikary talks about her PhD research looking at the “hidden curriculum” in private schools in Nepal. She explains how she’s getting to grips with what schoolchildren are learning from school as well the formal academic subjects. She explains how a PhD has helped her think more deeply about things and be more questioning of what others have to say.

Find out more about Bandana on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Bandana's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Bandana Adhikary

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zoe on whether it’s possible to develop a national brand

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 23:01:59 GMT

In Episode 4 Zoe Tsu talks about her research which looks at how to brand a country, specifically her home country of Taiwan. She explains how she’s exploring innovative approaches for leveraging Taiwan's semiconductor expertise as a strategic asset for nation branding, particularly in light of ongoing challenges and tensions in the region. She concludes with some sound advice for those considering undertaking a PhD especially ion the need for self-discipline and to choose something you will enjoy doing for several years.

Find out more about Zoe on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Zoe's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Zoe Hsu

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ash on the sexuality and reproductive rights of disabled women

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 23:01:17 GMT

Ep 3 Ash on the sexuality and reproductive rights of disabled women

In Episode 3 Aswathi Soman discusses her PhD research looking at sexuality and disabled women. She talks openly about her concerns as a disabled woman herself to change the law to better protect the reproductive freedoms and rights of women like her. She offers those considering doing a PhDs some advice on how to pick a research topic that means you can work hard without getting too stressed by it.

Find out more about Ash on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Ash's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Ash Soman

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Audiograms: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miguel on the intricate dynamics of crime and education

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:01:21 GMT

In Episode 2 Miguel Meirim discusses his research looking at the intricate dynamics of crime and education. He explains how he is using advanced econometric techniques and why he is so passionate about applying economic principles to critically examine and address pressing societal issues, specifically those influencing policy formulation and community development. Miguel tells those thinking of doing a PhD that it doesn’t need to be a lonely journey and that there are always people who can share your journey even if they are not doing research in the same area as you.

Find out more about Miguel on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Miguel's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Miguel Meirim

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover and Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robin on Trans and queer representation in video games

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:01:27 GMT

In Episode 1 Robin Longobardi Zingarelli discusses his research focusing on trans and queer theory and video games as a medium. He talks about how intense it can feel to incorporate personal experiences into PhD research and why it’s important to have people to support you through that.

Find out more about Robin on LinkedIn

Read a full transcript of Robin's episode

Credits

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Robin Lombardi Zingarelli

Producer/Editor: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Artwork: Krissie Brighty-Glover and Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Production support: Eleanor Larsson, Brunel University Graduate School

Music: yourtunes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.